Wheel alignment... how accurate

[KMG]

the previous owner hit a median and needed to replace the steering knuckle axle rod and so when i got it, I had it aligned at the shop and it was aligned in spec range, however i noticed the numbers weren't perfect or identical from side to side on the alignment report. it was all green and in spec range but does it matter or indicate a problem if the numbers aren't identical from side to side?

 

[KMG]

Basically i'm wondering if its possible that the frame is bent or damaged?

 

[gm350reratliff]

While it's nice to have all the alignment angles be exactly the same from side to side, it rarely happens and in some cases it's impossible. There could also be some frame damage depending on how big the median was and how fast they hit it but I doubt it. How does the vehicle drive and feel.

 

[CXS]

Number don't tell much, take your hands off the wheel and what happens? If it's driving straight you're fine, if it pulls to one side you have an issue.

 

[Jeremy556]

Can you post the alignment specs?

It's almost never going to be the same on both sides, even from the factory. If all is within specs and it drives fine, it's fine.

 

[Sungod]

The numbers rarely ever match. Caster is the only angle that will really cause an issue and you would need more than one degree difference side to side to notice a pull. Toe doesn't matter at all because they are connected via the steering rack.

 

[preacher35]

Post your alignment report and let us check the numbers for you.

 

[KMG]

Here is a copy of the results, this was after they replaced the knuckle bearing and Hub.

It does not pull to a side however the steering wheel is slightly off center going straight. i notice slight steering wheel vibration and chatter on the highway at various speeds.

since the alignment i got new tires installed (bridgestone dueler A/T) wondering if I should do another alignment since the previous one was done with a well worn uneven drivers side tire?

Should I put my fears of a bent frame to rest?

Thanks guys for the help,

 

[Jeremy556]

Looks fine to me. For the steering slightly off center, they probably just didn't have the wheel perfectly centered, just take it back and have them center it.

Vibration is probably from the tires not being perfectly balanced. Most shops have trouble doing a decent balance on Toyota 6 lug wheels.

 

[preacher35]

Here is a copy of the results, this was after they replaced the knuckle bearing and Hub.

It does not pull to a side however the steering wheel is slightly off center going straight. i notice slight steering wheel vibration and chatter on the highway at various speeds.

since the alignment i got new tires installed (bridgestone dueler A/T) wondering if I should do another alignment since the previous one was done with a well worn uneven drivers side tire?

Should I put my fears of a bent frame to rest?

Thanks guys for the help,

Your numbers look pretty good. How do your front tire treads look? Sometimes, if the tread on one tire has worn unevenly from the other side's tire (from poor aligment), it will affect steering once said alignment has been corrected. Did you have the wheels rotated?